Flooding, debris closes section of state Route 31 near Huntington

HUNTINGTON — Crews were working to clear a 10-mile stretch of state Route 31 that was closed Tuesday due to flooding and debris.

Cpl. Todd Johnson of the Department of Public Safety said a rainstorm sent water, mud and debris over the road around 3:20 p.m. between mileposts 24 and 34, which he said is near the Crandall Canyon gate.

No vehicles were involved in the slide, Johnson said, and there were no reported injuries. The road is expected to reopen around midnight.

Kevin Kitchen, Utah Department of Transportation Region Four communications manager, said the slide is near the site of wildfires which occurred last year. He said it was not yet clear whether the burns had specifically contributed to Tuesday's slide, but officials anticipate some continued erosion as the area recovers.

He also said the area is prone to flash flooding as a result of steep canyon walls.

"It’s in a similar area to where we experienced flooding in the past," Kitchen said. "We foresee the potential of having that for the next few years as things get settled."